The swamp remains one of the oldest and most well preserved freshwater areas in America. In all, the swamp covers an area of 38 miles north to south and 25 miles east to west.

Paddle the Red Trail
A canoe is the best way to get into the center of the action. The swamp is criss-crossed with canoe trails, providing options ranging from day trips to multi-day wilderness excursions. The Red Trail is a likely candidate for a good trip. It ventures through all of the swamp's environments: prairies, shrub scrub, cypress forest. But listen, there's not a dud on the list. If you want to spend the night in the swamp, you must obtain a permit, which can be in high demand. An option is to layover in Stephen Foster Park, which has an excellent campground. Be sure to get up before dawn to take in the early morning wildlife activity.

More on paddling in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Take in the Wildlife
Wildlife abounds in the Okefenokee year-round. Sandhill cranes, ducks and other migratory birds are most numerous from November through March. Otter are commonly seen during cold weather when alligators are relatively inactive. Alligators are active in the summer and are mostly observed sunning on banks.

Bird the Boardwalks
At dusk the East Entrance is besieged by folks bearing binoculars and field guides. If you want to stay on solid ground, we recommend visiting the east or the north entrances. The east entrance has 2.5 miles of hiking trails and a 4,000-foot boardwalk into the swamp. For a bird's eye view, the entrance has two observation towers. This is also the location of the refuge headquarters and the Suwannee Canal Recreation Concession, which offers guided boat tours, and boat and bicycle rentals.